Tag: book self-publishing

Author Spotlight

Self-Publishing Author Spotlight: Rebecca Rockwell

Self-publishing authors write for many reasons: to educate, to express themselves, to make a living … and yes, to tell a compelling story. Outskirts Press author Rebecca Rockwell has taken the art to new heights with no just one but three historical fiction novels published through Outskirts Press: The Outlaw’s Wife, In the Shadow of Death Alley and The Last Desperado. For that reason, Outskirts Press proudly features author Rebecca Rockwell in our Self-Publishing Author Spotlight.Rebecca Rockwell

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rebecca Rockwell has always had a passion for the American West and its famous figures; subjects of her previous historical novels include Jesse James and the Dalton Gang. She is a proud member of Western Writers of America (WWA). She lives in Southern California. The Last Desperado is her third novel.

The Outlaw's WifeThe Outlaw’s Wife

Zerelda “Zee” Mimms is an innocent young woman of twenty in 1865 when her dashing first cousin, Jesse James, is brought to her family home gravely wounded and near death. Against all odds, Zee nurses him back to health and realizes that her feelings for her cousin have deepened into love. Though Jesse begins ringleading the infamous James Gang, robbing banks, stagecoaches and trains, the love he and Zee share remains true, and the two marry after a long engagement wrought with separations and close calls with the law. Through her diary, Zee reveals the man behind the legend that was Jesse James-the most notorious outlaw in the Old West-as a charismatic, complex man who was a devoted husband and father even as he was wanted by the law in ten states…until one act of betrayal and jealousy takes him away from her forever.

Based upon historical fact, The Outlaw’s Wife tells the tale of a woman guided through life by her simple love for her husband, despite his flaws-a woman with the courage to follow wherever her heart took her, no matter the outcome.

Product details…
Paperback
Format: 6 x 9 paperback, 246 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (Nov 08, 2008)
ISBN10: 1432737198
ISBN13: 9781432737191
Genre: FICTION / Historical

In the Shadow of Death AlleyIn the Shadow of Death Alley: A Novel of Emmett Dalton

At seventeen, Emmett Dalton leaves his life as a cowboy behind to follow two of his older brothers into law enforcement in untamed Indian Territory during the winter of 1889. Circumstances change, however, and by the age of nineteen Emmett has become a full-fledged member of one of the west’s most notorious and most feared outlaw gangs–the Dalton Gang. Torn between his adoration of his brother Bob, the gang’s leader, and his moral objections to the gang’s activities, Emmett eventually finds himself a key participant in one of the most infamous acts in the history of the Old West: the Dalton Gang’s daring double bank robbery in Coffeyville, Kansas on October 5, 1892. Based upon historical fact, In The Shadow of Death Alley examines the inner-workings of the Dalton Gang from the point of view of its youngest member–and its sole survivor.

Product details…
Paperback
Format: 5.5 x 8.5 paperback white, 274 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (Sep 23, 2011)
ISBN10: 1432780980
ISBN13: 9781432780982
Genre: FICTION / Historical

The Last DesperadoThe Last Desperado

In the last days of the Old West, outlaw gangs ran wild in the Twin Territories encompassing Kansas and Oklahoma, robbing trains, banks, stores and stagecoaches. Out of the ashes of the Dalton Gang’s downfall in 1892 rose the infamous Wild Bunch, led by easygoing cowboy-turned-outlaw Bill Doolin. The Last Desperado chronicles Doolin’s compelling journey from the cattle ranches to the outlaw trail as his fame grows to legendary proportions—and as he struggles to reconcile his life of crime with his desire for a peaceful home life with his wife and son. Meticulously researched and based upon historical fact, The Last Desperado brings to life a cunning, intelligent and fascinating man, at heart a simple cowboy, who managed to make an indelible mark on the face of history and become the stuff of legend.

Product details…
Paperback
Format: 5 x 8 paperback white, 560 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (Nov 22, 2013)
ISBN10: 1478725443
ISBN13: 9781478725442
Genre: FICTION / Historical

Do you have a book or two waiting for the world to read? Let Outskirts Press get you started on your own publishing dreams!

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book marketing, Outskirts Press News, self publishing news, Webinar

5 Radio Interview Tips for Self-Publishing

Radio interviews are a great way for self publishing authors to promote themselves and their books, but many people are nervous about doing radio interviews. With these great tips, you are sure to have a successful and fun experience.

1. Keep it fun!

Most radio listeners enjoy some humor and natural conversation. The easiest way to nail your interview is to not over think it. Just go with the flow and don’t take yourself too seriously. Listeners can tell if you are having fun, so don’t forget to smile and be enthusiastic. Even though you are on the radio, listeners can still sense your expressions.

2. Keep it natural!

Interviews that are over-rehearsed and presentation-like are boring and awkward. While you can practice a little bit ahead of time, don’t read from notes or memorize your talking points. Just act as if you were talking to a friend.

3. Don’t worry about silence.

Many people worry about moments of awkward silence. It is the radio host’s responsibility to fill those gaps and keep the interview moving, so don’t worry. The pressure isn’t on you.

4. Be ready to go live.

If you are doing a phone interview, know that many hosts start the interview shortly after the call begins. Some hosts will give you a few minutes to listen and get comfortable, but be prepared to go live immediately.

5. Keep it short.

Keep your answers to 30 seconds or less. This allows for more questions and some commercial breaks, and it keeps the listeners from getting bored.

Outskirts Press now offers Radio Interview and Media Training for self-publishing authors.  This is a great way learn how to prepare yourself or sharpen your skills for when you book those valuable radio interviews.  With this option, you will be coached and even interviewed on-air by 20-year radio veteran, Kevin Price, who has been called “the best business radio show host in the country” by the Wall Street Journal.

For more information, or to order this option at any time, visit:  http://www.outskirtspress.com/p/radiointerview

Author Inspiration, book marketing

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing

In a perfect world, an author could simply take his manuscript to the publisher of his choice and let the publisher turn his book into a huge success. He could collect a fat advance for his years of labor and a percentage of future sales, while the publishing house takes care of the marketing.

But let’s face it, the six-figure book advance is a distance dream for all but a scant few authors with either a Self publishing iPadproven track record in book sales or a degree of notoriety that virtually ensures blockbuster book sales. And even those book deals carry a certain amount of risk for the publisher, who must gamble marketing dollars as wisely as possible on new manuscripts in the hope that the gamble will pay off.

Yes, a book advance and a marketing team would be nice, but remember there are disadvantages to traditional publishing as well. First, if you’re one of the lucky few to snag a contract, it could be many months, even years, before your book ever hits the shelves. (This is after many months or years of peddling the book from one publisher to the next.) In the meantime, you’ll need to contend with an editor or editorial team whose vision for your book may not be compatible with your own. While you’re focused on telling a story that’s close to your heart, an editor or marketer may be more interested in what translates into dollars.

Ultimately those issues of time and freedom are the deciding factors that draw people to self-publishing. That manuscript you finish just before New Year’s Day could be selling on Amazon by Easter. The characters and story you so carefully crafted will never be at the mercy of an editor who doesn’t share your vision, or a marketing guru who wants to cater to a certain audience.

When you self-publish, you are your own publisher. You do assume more of the risks upfront — paying for your own printing, and paying for marketing services if you choose — but you reap more of the rewards. You produce the book you envisioned with absolute creative freedom. And if you choose the right self-publishing company, you can even keep 100% of your profits.

Do you have a publishing dream? You can realize that dream with a publishing package from Outskirts Press. Hit the button to get started!

Start Self-Publishing Now!